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  Programmable automotive computer systemUSPTO Application #: 20060106510Title: Programmable automotive computer system Abstract: A device and corresponding method for enabling a user to accurately control, monitor, and evaluate performance of a vehicle. The system includes a portable programmable computer device that a user can readily install by plugging it into a diagnostic connector port of the vehicle for providing the controlling, monitoring, and evaluating functions. The present invention enables a user to perform performance tuning of the engine, provides dynamometer type functions such as horsepower and torque measurements, and provides a virtual drag strip function for accurately measuring acceleration data. According to an alternative embodiment, a monitor mode is provided for enabling the user to monitor selected characteristics of the vehicle and a diagnostics mode is provided for providing for the identification and display of diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) with informative text descriptions. The present invention also enables the clearing of selected DTCs without requiring expensive customized equipment for that purpose. (end of abstract) Agent: Nixon Peabody, LLP - Washington, DC, US Inventor: Mark F. Heffington USPTO Applicaton #: 20060106510 - Class: 701029000 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Data Processing: Vehicles, Navigation, And Relative Location, Vehicle Control, Guidance, Operation, Or Indication, Vehicle Diagnosis Or Maintenance Indication The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060106510. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/624,210 filed Nov. 1, 2004, which is incorporated by reference herein. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The invention relates in general to vehicle computer systems, and more particularly to a system, device, and corresponding method for enabling a vehicle operator to control, monitor, and evaluate vehicle performance. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] A typical automobile includes a myriad of sensors mounted around the engine and other vehicle modules for monitoring the condition and selected performance characteristics of the vehicle such as air intake, temperature, and the position and rate of change of the accelerator, etc. Typically, an engine computer, also referred to as a Powertrain Control Module (PCM), is provided in the vehicle for monitoring the sensors and providing control of various engine functions as a function of sensor data. The PCM typically makes adjustments to minimize exhaust pollution, minimize fuel consumption, and maximize engine power. [0004] Partly in response to governmental vehicle pollution mandates, an OnBoard Diagnostics (OBD) system is typically provided in the vehicle in order to require the PCM to actively monitor and test the engine parameters and in particular, the emissions-related elements. The OnBoard Diagnostics system requires that sensors and actuators controlling pollution monitoring are checked regularly and codes generated if a fault is detected. Other diagnostic systems such as OBD-II go a step further and require the PCM to actively monitor and test the emissions-related elements. An OnBoard Diagnostic port is typically provided which enables access to the engine computer and the diagnostic codes provided by the OBD system. The diagnostic port is typically accessible from either under the hood or from the interior passenger compartment of the vehicle to facilitate monitoring and control of the vehicle's engine characteristics. Conventionally, the monitoring and troubleshooting of identified faults required the use of bulky, complex equipment that was available only at automobile repair establishments. The operation of the conventional test equipment also required the knowledge and skill of a trained mechanic. [0005] Many vehicle operators also desire the capability to accurately control, monitor, and evaluate vehicle performance themselves without the need for bulky, complex equipment or a mechanic. The diagnosing of certain engine problems and the monitoring of certain engine performance characteristics conventionally requires the use of a dynamometer. A dynamometer or "dyno" is a device used to measure power and torque produced by the engine. There are typically two types of dynos, an engine dyno that gets bolted directly to an engine, and a chassis dyno that can measure horsepower and torque without requiring that the engine be removed from the frame of the vehicle. [0006] A vehicle operator may also be interested in measuring the speed performance of the vehicle, e.g., quarter mile time, time to speed, and top speed. Conventionally, a drag strip or other location is used and requires another person and/or one or more external devices to monitor the vehicle position and to provide a timer for determining the quarter mile time and speed. [0007] A vehicle operator typically also desires to have a display of vehicle operating conditions. The cost of accessory gauges to display these operating conditions, however, are often cost prohibitive and difficult to install. Vehicle operators are also typically interested in having ready access to diagnostic data and their descriptions for troubleshooting purposes. [0008] Known devices exist for separately programming the engine functions in order to enhance vehicle performance. However, such devices are stand-alone devices that do not include the other functions. [0009] There is therefore a need for a multipurpose system that provides a performance tuning function, a dynamometer function, and a drag strip function via a portable device that a user can readily install by plugging it into the diagnostic connector port of the vehicle. There is a need for a system that also enables a user to monitor selected characteristics of the engine and other vehicle systems. [0010] There is a need for a system that also enables a user to selectively display diagnostic data based on data read from the onboard diagnostics system port. There is also a need for displaying vehicle operating conditions to a user without the need for costly accessory gauges. [0011] A need also exists for providing the above features in a device that has a user friendly interface for enabling easy operation of the monitor, evaluation, and control functions. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0012] The present invention provides a system, device, and corresponding method for enabling a user to control, monitor, and evaluate vehicle performance. According to one embodiment, the system includes a device having a high-resolution touch screen with a user-friendly interface including for facilitating viewing, data entry, and operation of the various modes provided. The device of the present invention installs in seconds by simply plugging its cable into the diagnostic port connector available in the interior compartment of the vehicle. [0013] Broadly stated, the present invention provides a method for enabling a user to control, monitor, and evaluate performance of a vehicle via a portable device, the vehicle having an onboard diagnostic system for monitoring a set of operational characteristics of the vehicle and for enabling control of the vehicle's engine computer and having a diagnostic port for enabling access to the engine computer and onboard diagnostic system and selected data accessible therefrom, comprising the steps of: accessing the onboard diagnostic system and engine computer via the diagnostic port; enabling selection by the user of a plurality of distinct device modes of operation provided via the portable device including a performance tuning mode for enabling the user to reprogram engine tuning calibration settings stored in a programmable memory of the engine computer of the vehicle via the diagnostic port; a dynamometer mode for providing calculations and the display of horsepower and torque characteristics for the vehicle based on vehicle speed data read from the diagnostic port; and a drag strip mode for enabling the calculation and selective display of times associated with driving the vehicle based on vehicle speed data read from the diagnostic port, and providing a touch screen user interface for enabling selection of the modes and operation of the device by the user. [0014] Broadly stated, the present invention also provides an electronic portable device for enabling a user to control, monitor, and evaluate performance of a vehicle, the vehicle having an onboard diagnostic system for monitoring a set of operational characteristics of the vehicle and for enabling control of the vehicle's engine computer and having a diagnostic port for enabling access to the engine computer and the onboard diagnostic system and selected data accessible therefrom, the device comprising an input/output port for coupling the device to the diagnostic port for accessing the onboard diagnostic system and the engine computer; a microcontroller operative for providing a plurality of modes and operations of the device; wherein the modes include a performance tuning mode for enabling the user to reprogram engine tuning calibration settings stored in a programmable memory of the engine computer of the vehicle via the diagnostic port; a dynamometer mode for providing calculations and the display of horsepower and torque characteristics for the vehicle based on vehicle speed data read from the diagnostic port; and a drag strip mode for enabling the calculation and selective display of times associated with driving the vehicle based on vehicle speed data read from the diagnostic port; a memory for providing storage in the device of data associated with the modes and operations of the device; and a touch screen display for enabling user selection of the plurality of modes and the operations of the device. [0015] An advantage of the present invention is that it provides a touch screen user interface including an easy-to-use menu interface, a typewriter-style keyboard enabling easy data entry, and contextual help screens to facilitate use and eliminate the need for a separate user manual. [0016] An advantage of the present invention is that it enables performance tuning by a user. The present invention enables a user to unlock the performance potential of computer-controlled vehicle engines by providing optimized fuel and ignition curves for enabling improved engine performance over the entire revolutions per minute (RPM) range. The present invention also gives a performance enthusiast and other users the ability to reprogram and personalize the onboard computer that controls virtually all aspects of the vehicle's operation. For example, the system enables adjustment of the engine RPM limiter for faster acceleration and adjustment of the top speed limiter for matching the speed rating of factory-approved tires. According to another aspect, the system enables correction of speedometer/odometer readings for non-stock tire sizes and gear ratios. The present invention, according to another aspect, enables a user to change the automatic transmission shift points and shift firmness to improve performance and enables adjustment of the on-off temperature of the vehicle's electric cooling fan. The present invention enables storage of the stock tuning calibrations in the memory of the device so that these calibrations can be selectively restored by a user. [0017] Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a drag strip function, i.e., a virtual drag strip, for accurately recording acceleration data, elapsed times and speeds during a test run, and for presenting the results of the test run to a user in a time slip format. The present invention, according to other aspects, also records and displays reaction time, incremental elapsed times and speed over several distances, time to speeds, e.g., 0-60 mph, 0-100 mph, and time to maximum speed. The present invention provides the vehicle performance information without the cost and inconvenience of using complex and expensive track testing equipment at a commercial drag strip. [0018] Another advantage of the present invention is that is provides a dynamometer function for generating accurate horsepower and torque graphs under real-world conditions. The dynamometer function is also referred to herein as the dyno function or "dyno shop" function. A related advantage of the present invention is that it enables accounting for the aerodynamic drag and rolling resistance values for a specific vehicle, even if the vehicle includes one or more non-stock modifications. According to another aspect, correction for temperature and humidity is provided for increased accuracy and repeatability. [0019] Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides user-selectable graphic display of vehicle operating conditions without the need for accessory gauges. The present invention enables the monitoring of various functions such as oil pressure, engine coolant temperature, exhaust gas temperatures, fuel flow, spark timing, turbo boost, fuel mileage, and others. [0020] Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides for the identification and display of Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC's) with informative text descriptions so as to eliminate the need to look up a code number to determine a fault. Another advantage of the present invention is that it enables the clearing of selected DTCs without requiring expensive customized equipment for that purpose. Continue reading... Full patent description for Programmable automotive computer system Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Programmable automotive computer system patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. 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